Within the last five years, surgical-site infections have dropped by 20% and bloodstream infections from central-line contamination is down by over 40%, according to the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data.
While these numbers are promising, the CDC also reports that 1 in every 20 hospitalized patients will receive a healthcare-associated illness (HAI). These illnesses range in severity.
The illnesses that are of most concern are those caused by antibiotic-resistant microbes. While life-threatening infections from Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are declining, other infections are increasing.
Two Infections Causing Big Problems
Two healthcare-related bacterial infections that hold a high priority for CDC officials include: carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) and C. difficile (C-diff). Both bacterial infections are on the rise and are primarily transferred from a medical professional to a patient directly.
C. difficile (C-diff) is responsible for approximately 14,000 deaths in the U.S. each year. Tightening prevention protocols and increasing awareness of early detection are two ways the CDC suggests that these infections can be diminished. Properly trained healthcare workers who understand this infection and how to combat it are crucial in a patient’s defense against contracting it. This infection costs the medical industry and patients over $1 billion each year.
Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) is on the rise because of the fact that several strains of it are nearly completely resistant to all antibiotics known today. Only about half of the patients who contract this bacterium can expect to live. The infection is most prevalent in patients that already have decreased immune systems.
Most contamination occurs through direct patient contact and contaminated medical equipment. This bacterium can transfer its antibiotic resistance to other strains, making it a top concern for CDC officials. According to most recent CDC data, there are currently close to 9000 cases of CRE in the United States.
The CDC Response
The CDC works closely with state officials in monitoring the cases of antibiotic-resistant pathogens and providing ongoing research aimed at culling the spread of these illnesses. In addition, the CDC has increased its awareness campaigns aimed at educating all medical professionals on the importance of following proper protocol when administering antibiotics. The overuse of antibiotics is one of the contributing factors of resistance.
The CDC is also working with training programs throughout the U.S. and abroad to teach best-practice methods of direct patient care aimed at improving clinical techniques which play a critical role in decreasing the spread of illness from one patient to the next.
References:
http://www.cdc.gov/washington/testimony/2013/t20130924.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/hai/organisms/cre/cre-clinicianFAQ.html
http://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/hai/cre
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